Have you or do you think you could fall in love with someone just through contact on a site like this?

Im not an expert on love but I would have to say no. I think you can get to know someone very well and maybe even see a real picture of that person, but its not going to be “love”. Im sure its happened before and I know that when I started Fluther there was an interesting young lady that caught my attention and I even let her know, but it’s the F*@%ing internet and that might not even be who she really is so I had to tell myself to get my head out of my ass and start pursuing women that are attainable. Sites like fluther are not the places you need to look for love, but are great for answers to all your questions.

Yep. It’s not common for it to really work out, but it happens.

No, I think not. If you are rational in thought you can surmise that some people on here would only tell you exactly what they want you to know. I’m no conspiracy theorist, but people have certainly been known to completely misrepresent themselves online. I do believe that many people here are very honest and forthright though.

I think we can feel great compassion for others and their self described situations or plights. I believe we can feel a connection due to shared humor and ideals, and feel joy at another’s happiness or success. We can certainly feel great anger toward those who attack our views, stoke our temper, and insult our ideals. But those things combined don’t add up to love (only lurve)!

I can totally see some Fluther crush scenarios here; who knows what could happen? Never say never.

I’m gonna have to say yes!
Wich actually surprises be a bit, but that’s another story.
But a good friend of mine just got married and moved across the globe to live with a guy she met while playing poker online…

I have been with my partner for over 10 years now, we met in a chat room. There was just something about his way with words that piqued my interest from the first time our paths crossed. The intrigue was mutual. We communicated endlessly on ICQ for a year or so. Finally I made the trip to the other side of the world to meet him. We decided it was for real. It is still going. I love it here and I still love him so it is 10 and counting. It is possible!

I could certainly become close with someone online, but I wouldn’t actually fall in love without real life communication and meeting up. bythebay’s answer rings true – people are more than the words they choose to write on this or any other site.

Ooohhhh, yes. For sure.

@jbfletcherfan: Anything you want to share with the Fluther?

@bythebay LOL…nope. I’d better stay mute on this one. :-)

I see no reason that one cannot fall in love online; people always try to present their best side, even in real life, so the internet is possibly the best place to get to know someone, where there are fewer inhibitions on their behavior. However, the one thing the internet lacks is commitment; you can tell that you like someone’s conversation, but you don’t know if they will help you cook the daily meals, and you certainly don’t know if they will be willing to put up with your own imperfections, when they are not viewing them through thousands of miles of wiring. So its a great place to meet, but you should certainly have a significant live-in period with each other before making the big decision.

Cyberdating Is sooo stupid. Don’t. Get a real-life girl/boyfriend.
Cybersex is even stupider!

How…broad-minded of you. You do realize that they are ‘real-life’ partners, they are simply communicating in a different medium than the traditional long-distance relationship conducted by way of mail or telephone. One could argue that the relationship is even more legitimate, as it is removed from any crass physical motivation. While few people could manage it, or would want to, a relationship conducted entirely over the internet is perhaps to be admired. And as I argued above, it can be a fairly good way of finding a spouse as well. So, although there are difficulties in making it work, don’t make fun of those who manage it. As far as cybersex is concerned, I don’t see the appeal in it, but that does not make it stupid.

Believe what you want….after all, it is an opinionated website.

Um, yes, that’s why I am conducting what we call a debate, where one states one’s opinions in the assumption that the other party will not try to shut down discussion by claiming their right to their own opinion, and will instead actually reconsider and defend their position.

I have been in 2 cyberdates. They were lame. Comeon, cybersex….“not stupid”....whatever.

You’re fourteen; I would hardly expect you to have meaningful relationship with anybody, let alone online. I know I wouldn’t have. And I cannot imagine on what grounds you justify condemning someone’s particular fetish as stupid. Imagine how ridiculous sex would seem if you weren’t used to the idea and raging with hormones. Two people taking off all of their clothes, getting into bizarre positions and making repetitive motions with their hips until one of them squirts something out of his penis. Its just something people enjoy, and there is absolutely nothing to promote one form of it over another. You are just habituated to thinking of cybersex as an activity for losers. And perhaps it often is, but that does not affect the activity itself, nor is it grounds for stereotyping participants. That’s simple prejudice.

True. I do not even wish to have a girlfriend anymore. (But not because of Cyberdates).
Can you keep it PG most of the time, please I’m 14. That was disturbing.

My motto is don’t knock it til you try it.

I’m sorry, I got a bit too worked up there.

I think that description was PG. Relationship advice from a 14 year old just doesn’t really have too much impact on my judgements.

Yes, been there done that.

“If you are rational in thought you can surmise that some people on here would only tell you exactly what they want you to know.”

People only tell you exactly what they want you to know when you’re face-to-face, too. Personally, I’m more honest on the internet than I am in real life. I can say I’m genderqueer, FTM, and prefer men, and I don’t have to worry that the person I’m telling is going to panic and beat me bloody. I don’t have to see the look of disgust. They can say “Oops, gotta go” and stop talking to me without extended social awkwardness.

I’m willing to give it a shot. Any hotties in Colorado Springs want to meet up?

@MacBean that’d stink for someone to do that, but I’m sure many would. I learnt that one of my internet friends is black. Makes no difference to me whether he’s green or purple. I like him for who he is & I would in person, too. We’ve discussed it.

Another one of my friends is gay. I care not. Again, I like him for who he is & I’d feel the same way in person.

I love people for who they are on the inside, not their life style or what color they are.

Fine, PG-13
Though some R-rated movies are awesome….like halloween [was that R?]